Green building makes common sense a reality

I’ve been reading a bit about the NZI Centre in Auckland, New Zealand, which incorporates a number of green building innovations.

For instance, rooftop gardens, rainwater used as ‘grey water’ in toilets, skylights that bolter natural daylight, and glass layers that acts as insulation are built right into the design. One innovation I’d never heard of before has to do with the elevators, which upon their descent generate electricity that feed back into building’s main supply. Incredible.

NZI Centre in Auckland, New Zealand. Image courtesy of craigsydnz. Click on image to view full Flickr stream.

I’ve read a number of articles which talk about green building at the design level, and I always find them to be encouraging. The approach of the new breed of architect seems to be centered around the most creative ways to achieve sustainability of resources, and environmental sensitivity.

But, another part of my mind just feels that this is just common sense to consider these things and design against them. Considering them to be something of a spectacle and exception to the rule is a sign of our times.

I like to think that within the next few years, all buildings will be designed with this technology in mind. This is not just because I think the issues of sustainability is important. But, also because it seems to be to be the rational thing to do.

I mean, if elevators can generate some electricity as they’re operating, then why shouldn’t they be incorporated in every design? If you can plan for rooftop gardens, rainwater filtration systems for toilets, skylights to reduce the need for lighting, and glass insulation to regulate interior temperature, then why wouldn’t you want that as a part of a building’s deign? This is not just innovation for its own sake. It’s innovation that enables common sense.

The costs of the technology and the savings that companies and homeowners can enjoy with reduced heating and water bills are being brought into balance. It seems to me that the evolution of green building is drawing the building and design industries into a space where the innovation of this kind won’t be news anymore. It will be the way it is, because it makes the most sense.

Cheers,

Rob.